UC has approached ESPN about possibly delaying the start of the Shootout if it appears the network's 7:30 p.m. game, between N.C. State and Wake Forest, is going to run long.

        The UC athletic department is aware of fans' concerns that if the early game runs long, fans in Cincinnati will miss the 9:30 Shootout tipoff.

        The university still was waiting to hear if ESPN would approve the request. The network might not be willing because of its desire to air tonight's edition of SportsCenter as early as possible, especially with this being Super Bowl week.

        UC could itself arrange to delay the game if appeared to be necessary, but an athletic department spokesperson said that would risk admonishment from Conference USA.

        The 9:30 p.m. start for the Shootout may seem unusual for Xavier fans, but it is routine for UC.

        This will be the seventh of eight games the Bearcats will play this year with a starting time at 9:30 Eastern or later. And their Marquette game Jan.3 was postponed from a 9:30 p.m. start to the following day at 6 because of inclement weather.

        XU coach Skip Prosser is not pleased to be tipping off so late. “It's nonsensical. It drains you mentally. But it's the same for both teams.”

'Let's get ready to rrrrmmmmbbbbllll'
For UC and XU, this is personal
Sure it's too big, but that's why it's fun
Harrick's analysis: XU 'certainly underdog'
UC asks OK to delay tipoff
Xavier front line must bring its 'A' game
CROSSTOWN NOTEBOOK
Couples in Crosstown cross-fire
Rivals join hands for Crosstown Helpout